The much loved Irish author, Maeve Binchy, has died in hospital after a short illness.

The 72-year old passed away last night with her husband, Gordon Snell, at her side.

An integral part of most Irish women's adolescent and adult lives, Maeve's books sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.

Born in Dalkey, Dublin, the journalist and author wrote 16 novels that have been translated into 37 different languages.

They include such favourites as 'Scarlet Feather', 'Tara Road' and 'Circle of Friends'.

Two of her books were adapted for the big screen, including 1995's 'Circle of Friends', and two more for films on television.

Binchy worked as a teacher before moving into journalism and writing. She worked with the Irish Times and it wasn't long before the successful lady, with a unique understanding of the Irish woman's life, became 'Women's Editor'.

Her first novel, 'Light A Penny Candle', was published in 1982.

Maeve Binchy once said, “My head is full of stories, and I love to tell them.”

In 2000, Binchy was ranked third in the World Book Day poll of favourite authors, behind Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

Some of Binchy's fans wrote commemorative messages online for her this morning.

“Thank you for the hours of joy reading your books provided me. I will miss looking for the newest Maeve Binchy book. To her family, how blessed you were to have such a terrific person in your lives.”

Another wrote; “I am sad beyond words. I do not want to say goodbye to this lovely writer and her warm, insightful stories. Human nature was at its most honest in Maeve Binchy's expert hands. I miss her already.”